Get service records from Benz dealer. - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

whycatone · 11-17-2009, 12:46 PM

The 00 benz I am interested in has no service recrods with it, the small lot dealer said I can go to any Benz dealer, and give them the VIN, and they will run it for me for free. Is it true?

RichardM98 · 11-17-2009, 12:58 PM

Sort of. You can indeed get a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) at a dealer using the VIN. It will have information such as how the car was equipped when purchased new, whether all recall campaigns have been completed and what work was performed under warranty.

Sometimes service work is included. It's very hit and miss.

I think this is primarily a service to would be service customers. So if you show up several times with different VINs you might get a cold shoulder.

If I were you, I would keep looking for a car with at least partial service records and one where you can talk to the owner/driver who has owned the car for the last couple of years. There are lots of them out there -- be patient. Good luck.

**Musikmann** · 11-17-2009, 03:29 PM

Agreeing with Richard that a VMI is supposed to be entirely rcalls and warranty work. I got more than that from the servicing dealer who printed out all of the customer paid for work too, but I was lucky and already owned the car at that point. Agreeing again that no matter where you are buying, insist on a car with as complete a service history as you can find. Good luck.

Peter Guenther · 11-17-2009, 03:31 PM

That sums it up, most dealers will provide warranty service info, but wont let you see service records since they are not part of the VMI and are dealer specific. If it is easy your used car dealer should request them and provide them.

Cancer_Researcher · 11-17-2009, 03:45 PM

Dealer will not you SERVICE RECORDS due to privacy of previous owner and this will be dealer specific. Only the dealer that serviced the car will have SERVICE RECORDS and they won't give those up. Your dealer is simply lying to you. Make THEM go to the Benz dealer and get you a print out.

Kajtek1 · 11-17-2009, 05:05 PM

"Things the used car salesman will promise you to sell the car"....
I was refused the service record on my MB as well with the story about protecting the privacy.
That said the newer MB I bought had pretty good service records listed on CarFax.

whycatone · 11-17-2009, 08:57 PM

Just ran a Carfax on the Benz, it shows the first 60k miles was maintained by a Benz dealer, then the second owner traded to another Benz dealer at around 110K miles. Hopeful I can get some info from the second dealer.

sokoloff · 11-18-2009, 08:14 AM

I used to be able to get a VMI pretty much any time I wanted one. However, things changed within the past couple of years. The dealers that used to freely give them to me now say that MBUSA prohibits making copies of the VMI for customers. However, they will still "talk" to me about what the VMI says and allow me to make copious notes.

ohlord · 11-18-2009, 08:45 AM

shop around,you will find better.
And please do not take anything at face value dealing with them.
Have a professional private inspection done.
I hope you are not financing

Fred Demara · 11-18-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whycatone

The 00 benz I am interested in has no service recrods with it, the small lot dealer said I can go to any Benz dealer, and give them the VIN, and they will run it for me for free. Is it true?

this approach will vary depending on state.

I recently got a great deal on a 911 that was a repo. After I titled it, I went to my states DMV, and requested title history of ownership - cost $5. I had the name of the PO, and asked my wife to call him. He spoke to her for about 30minutes, and the next day, called the dealership and told them they could release the records to her - which they did.

Look in the car for any receipts, paperwork, etc, etc and find the name of the PO...ask them nicely, or have your lovely wife or girlfriend ask them for you - most people are very nice and willing to help.